Prison Consultant Shows Pattern of Success

Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9, 2015

 

Sunday, May 3 (Meeting Clients)

Two of my consulting clients and their wives visited me in my office today. They’re facing several years in federal prison as a consequence of some business decisions they made many years ago. I am working with to prepare them for the best possible outcome. To guide them through the challenges ahead, I invest several hours to interview them. By understanding more about their story and background, I’m able to craft a narrative for them. They use the narrative as a tool to provide the court with a more complete picture of the circumstances that led to their decisions. This strategy may influence the length of time they serve and the prison where they serve their sentences. When clients don’t have any experience with the criminal justice system, they find hope by listening to the Earning Freedom podcast and then reading through the lesson plans I make available at PrisonProfessor.com.

Monday, May 4 (Hootsuite)

Today I participated in a lesson from Hootsuite. I really appreciate this social media tool. Hootsuite allows me to schedule messages that I want to blast out to those who subscribe to my social media channels. In time, I hope to find some interns who will help with this work. The Earning Freedom podcast requires me to invest more than 40 hours each week. At this stage of my development, I’m doing everything. I find the guests, I record the podcast, I write the show notes, I provide links to other resources, and I announce the podcast to the social media. All of that work results in my having less time available for the type of remunerative work I need to pay bills. With Hootsuite, I can handle my social media responsibilities in a more efficient manner. It’s definitely worth the investment in subscription fee.

Tuesday, May 5 (Filming)

While traveling last week I received an inquiry from a film producer. He expressed interest in making a reality television program that related to the prison system. Initially, he expressed an interest in producing a film that would highlight individuals during the first days of release from prison. He wanted me to serve as a guide. We agreed to meet for a discussion, though I suggested that he create a project that focused on the days preceding incarceration; I wanted to offer advice that to guide individuals on preparing for success at the start of their journey. Today he visited me in my office and brought a camera man. I guess he is creating a “sizzle reel” as a resource for networks to consider.

Wednesday, May 6 (Carole)

Carole told me that she has completed all of the coursework for her master’s in nursing program. Although she will not receive her degree until May 22, we’re both incredibly pleased that we’ve reached this stage. As I wrote in several of my books, Carole and I began this journey together as part of a coherent strategy. I had about a decade of confinement to serve when Carole and I decided to pursuing nursing school. We invested resources that my writing generated so that she could focus on her studies. She went through every stage, from a nurse’s aid, to a licensed vocational nurse, to registered nurse. Now she has reached the top of her profession and I’m incredibly impressed with her dedication. Carole inspires me to work harder to prove worthy of her love.

Thursday, May 7 (Interview)

Today I spent several hours on the telephone conducting an interview with a client. The interviews take a long time because I try to develop a full understand of the client’s background. All of this work will lead to a lengthy narrative that the client can use as a response to criminal accusations. Although he will plead guilty to the charges against him, the narrative provides more contextual background for the judge to consider. I enjoy this type of work very much, as it allows me to make sense of all that I learned while crossing through 26 years in prison. My graduate work at Hofstra focused on cultural anthropology–which is helping others see the world from the perspective of others. It relates very well to this work that I’m doing now.

Friday, May 8 (Filming)

I had a lengthy conversation with another film producer today. This new project also focuses on people from prison. It’s a documentary that a group of Canada is producing. We discussed my background and the exciting work that I’m doing now with the Earning Freedom podcast. Since concluding my obligation to the Bureau of Prisons in August of 2013, I’ve had many conversations with filmmakers. The time I have invested has yet to materialize into a film project, but I’m glad to see that so many others have an interest in highlighting the injustices of America’s commitment to mass incarceration. It’s my hope that the producers succeed in bringing these projects to market, though I know the challenges are many in working with Hollywood. While they do their part, I’ll continue doing mine.

Saturday, May 9 (Salvador)

I had an extremely busy day. I spent the morning finishing a narrative for one of my clients. Then I had to complete two rush assignments for clients who retained my partner, Justin Paperny. Finally, I had the privilege of completing two podcast interviews with Salvador Castaneda. I met Salvador during the final months that I served in federal prison. Although he identified as a member of the Paisa prison gang, we became friends. He said that my book Earning Freedom influenced him to transform his life. He renounced his commitment to the gang and began working to prepare for success. In a two-part podcast, Salvador describes his successful return to society. I’m happy to have reconnected with him and glad to hear of his success.

Libsyn downloads as of 5:00 pm, Saturday, March 28: 1,283

Libsyn downloads as of 7:00 pm, Saturday, April 4: 2,564

Libsyn downloads as of 7:00 pm, Saturday, April 11: 4,292

Libsyn downloads as of 7:00 pm, Saturday, April 18: 6,292

Libsyn downloads as of 7:00 pm, Saturday, April 25: 8,164

Libsyn downloads as of 7:00 pm, Saturday, May 2: 9,450

Libsyn downloads as of 7:00 pm, Saturday, May 10: 10,900

 

Miles for week: 16

Miles for month: 22.28

Miles run for year: 304.09

Weight: 166